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Mike Sager has spent the last 40 years plying his craft from his home office, working away on a 63-year-old desk that used to belong to his father. He reflects on what it's like to be responsible to, and responsible for, only himself in a place where the line between duty and pleasure is blurred.

These days it’s hard to avoid the admonishments of self-titled productivity gurus that we should take more control over our lives, calendars, and in-boxes. But there are countless examples of creative and entrepreneurial minds soaring to their greatest heights through the exact opposite approach.

It takes effort to get good at something, and then it takes effort to apply that skill, to create. But determination isn’t enough. You also need to apply yourself with focus. Here are three steps that you can take to increase your ability to persevere.